Nicer weather in New York means more motorcyclists and cyclists sharing the road with motorists. But it could also mean an increase in the number of motorcycle and bicycle accidents.
A 20-year-old motorcyclist died earlier this week after crashing into a school bus in Rochester, as the National Traffic Safety Administration reports fatal motorcycle crashes are increasing. In 2022, more than 6,000 motorcyclists died in accidents nationwide, the highest number since 1975.
And in New York, there were more than 7,500 bicycle accidents in 2022, resulting in 50 fatalities, according to the New York State Department of State.
Here are ways motorcyclists, cyclists and motorists can all stay safe on the road this summer.
Wear a helmet
According to the State Department, more than half of the cyclists who crashed in New York in 2022 were not wearing helmets, and 28 of the fatalities were not wearing proper headgear.
Here are some helmet tips from the department:
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Use a helmet that suits the activity you are doingso if an accident happens, you are better protected; different activities can have different effects on your head.
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Make sure your helmet fits properly and has a chin strap and buckle that lie flat and stay in place. Also wear the helmet horizontally on your forehead and not tilted backwards.
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Look for a label that says so certified by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission or meets CPSC standards.
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Don’t add anything to your helmet such as stickers, covers or other attachments that were not included with the helmet when you purchased it, as these may affect the performance of the helmet.
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After an accident or injury, replace your helmet because any damage can reduce its effectiveness.
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Replace your helmet within five to ten years after purchase, depending on how well you maintain and store it.
Death of motorcyclist: Motorcyclist dies after crash with school bus in Rochester
Motorcycle safety
If you’re planning to take your motorcycle out for a ride this summer, keep these tips from AAA in mind for both your safety and the safety of others around you.
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Before you drive, check your tire pressure and tread depth and make sure your brakes, headlights, and turn signals are working.
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Make sure every load is safe and balanced and be sure to adjust your suspension and tire pressure to accommodate the extra weight.
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Always ride with a helmet that meets the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (look for the DOT symbol on the back).
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Wear other protective equipmentsuch as gloves, a jacket and trousers.
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Make yourself visible by keeping your lights on, wearing bright colors, and even using reflective tape during the day. Stand in the lane where motorists can see you.
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Follow traffic lawsAlways use your turn signals and combine hand signals with turn signals if possible.
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Never drive with a disability.
Stay safe while cycling
Deaths among cyclists are most common between June and September, AAA says, usually between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. and especially in urban areas. Follow these tips from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles:
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Ride with trafficnot against.
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Use the roadside or cycle path when it is safe to do so.
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Use hand signals before making a turn.
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Obey traffic signs and signals.
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Don’t assume a driver has seen you, so make sure you do make eye contact or adjust your activity to make sure they know you’re there.
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Be visible to others by wearing light-colored clothing, front and rear reflectors, spoke reflectors and pedal reflectors. Also use a headlight and a taillight at night.
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Use your horn, bell and/or voice to communicate your presence to other motorists.
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Keep your bicycle tires, brakes and safety equipment in good condition.
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Wear a helmetespecially if you are 14 years or younger, as this is mandatory in New York.
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Avoid distractions. Don’t use a phone while cycling and if you use a portable audio device, keep only one earphone in it.
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How drivers can help prevent accidents
Motorists should be aware of cyclists and motorcyclists as the weather warms up this summer. Here’s how to keep yourself and others safe, according to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles and AAA.
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Be careful when passing cyclists. To delay and give them at least one meter of free space when passing.
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When you are parked or preparing to drive away, keep in mind that cyclists can come within 1 to 1.5 meters of your door. like you grab the door handle with your right handcauses your body to turn to the left and helps you look for a bike that may be overtaking you.
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Stay alert and avoid all distractions while driving.
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Proceeds for cyclists when turning.
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Scan your mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane.
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Never honk at a cyclist because doing so could cause them to veer into traffic or veer off the roadway and crash.
Emily Barnes is the consumer advocate reporter on the New York State Team for the USA TODAY Network. Contact Barnes at ebarnes@gannett.com or on Twitter @byemilybarnes.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Bicycle, motorcycle crash high in New York. How to keep yourself safe
